It was an absolutely amazing time with over 200 women in attendance!
I am still feeling overwhelmed with emotions and just how humbling it was to stand TOGETHER, shoulder to shoulder, as we prayed together wrapping up the evening.
Friday evening was a visual representation to me of what the "church" looks like...
Diversity.
On many levels.
But coming together as one!!!
Younger women.
Older women.
Black women.
White women.
Single women.
Married women.
Divorced women.
Widowed women.
Grandmothers.
Mothers.
Daughters.
Sisters.
Sisters in Christ.
Friends!!!
When we circled around the room and stood shoulder to shoulder it was humbling to say the least.
Women are strong.
On so many levels.
We carry weight that is heavy and debilitating at times.
But when we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, we can help each other with that load.
We really ARE better together my friends!!!
My life has been enriched with the beautiful women God has placed, and is still placing, in it!
And I am very much looking forward to deepening the connections I made Friday night!
Which led me to this post...
We focused on how we are each a piece of a puzzle that comes [together] to make a beautiful picture!
As my friend, Sara, wrote:
"True community is built on our differences. It is an environment where everyone is encouraged to be who God created them to be. We are the body of Christ and in Christ, we find our purpose. So, we can't say that we don't belong or when others tell us we don't belong, we need to remember what God tells us - - - we are uniquely created for a purpose within the body of Christ and we DO belong!!!"
It's ok to be a little different!!!
I want to share something with you.
This is something that I struggle with.
As a grown women, 37 years old in fact, I am about the size of a 10 year old.
Height and weight.
It sets me apart.
And to be quite honest, I'm just ME!!!
And I really don't recognize my outward appearance until I look at photos or someone verbally comments on my size.
And that's when I allow the devil to get the best of my mind...
As I welcomed the ladies on Friday evening, there were over 400 eyes...staring at me.
And as I was trying to share just a piece of my heart, that I am one who truly does believe we are better together, inwardly my mind was quickly going to the place of "what if they don't even think I belong here...speaking is SO not my strength, I should have just offered to write something that they could take home...my voice is small...and so on..."
But I could feel the bigger part of me saying, You CAN do this, Jenny.
Yes - you are different, but so is each lady here.
Many don't know you.
So let them know who YOU are, but more importantly, whose you are!
And I walked away that evening with my heart full.
Today there were so many ladies that came up to me...thanking us for the time together Friday night!
So many HUGS!!!
So many smiles!
So many new connections that I hope turn into friendships!
We are not made to go through life alone.
We see throughout scripture how God brought women [together] in relationships to encourage one another and build each other up and I still believe He does the same today.
I want to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and make a connection with someone who is different than you...that shouldn't be hard to do because from an outward look, our differences are often greater than our similarities...BUT when you take the time to actually connect with someone on more than a surface level, I do believe you will find you have much more in common than you thought!!!
We are BETTER TOGETHER my friends.
And I want to encourage you to find just one new person this week that you can reach out to and stand shoulder to shoulder with...even if you don't match in height! ;)
xox,
Jenny
You continue to amaze me, baby girl! I love you to pieces! God has designed us all uniquely for His purpose. That design includes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our spiritual gifts, our talents, and our abilities. But, that's not all. . . . Even though all children of God have been given free will, He still appoints us to be where He intends for us to serve, and that's where we find ourselves. Not only does He orchestrate where we serve, He makes sure we have access to the people we are to serve. He even designed how we relate to others and how we appear. It's all part of His perfect plan. Even though we, as God's children are imperfect sinners, through the blood of Jesus, God now sees us as sinless and perfect! We are created in God's image, and for God's pleasure and purpose. Can you think of anything greater?
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